KUALA LUMPUR: When Rafaizul Saini was named the Most Promising Goalkeeper in the Junior Asia Cup in Oman in January, his confidence was boosted.
But last month the well-built Perakian had a nightmare at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor Baru - conceding 18 goals in five matches.
Malaysia lost to New Zealand (3-2), India (3-1), Pakistan (3-2), Great Britain (7-4) and beat South Africa (3-2).
And now Rafaizul is tasked to keep a clean sheet in the Junior World Cup (JWC) from Dec 5-16 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The 20-year-old said he started the year on a high by winning the goalkeeper award in the Junior Asia Cup in Oman.
"I made a number of saves to help Malaysia finish fourth behind India, Pakistan and South Korea.
"But playing in SoJC was an eye-opener for me. There are many things I need to improve on.
"Conceding many goals in SoJC was a wake-up call for me. I need to improve.
"I'm excited and at the same time feeling a bit nervous playing in a major tournament like the JWC. This is my first JWC and playing in front of the home fans will be a real challenge for me.
"Expectations will be high on me to keep a clean sheet," said Rafaizul who will have to stop shots from Chile, Argentina and Australia in the JWC group matches.
Goalkeeping coach Roslan Jamaluddin said Rafaizul has overcome his weaknesses and is ready for the JWC.
"I want him to play with the right mindset in every match and keep believing in himself that he can make saves in matches," said Roslan.